In a surprising turn of events, the highly anticipated fight between boxing legend Mike Tyson, 57, and YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, 27, has been officially sanctioned as a professional boxing match. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations confirmed that the July 20th bout at AT&T Stadium in Arlington will be classified as a pro fight, with the outcome impacting both fighters’ professional records.
“Mike Tyson and Jake Paul signed on to fight each other with the desire to do so in a sanctioned professional fight that would have a definitive outcome,” said Most Valuable Promotions co-founder Nakisa Bidarian. MVP has worked closely with the Texas commission over the past six weeks to meet all requirements to have the fight officially sanctioned.
Yes it will https://t.co/DbN61PoIfl
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) April 29, 2024
The fight will consist of eight two-minute rounds with both boxers using 14-ounce gloves. This differs from typical exhibition bouts, which often have unique rules and do not affect pro records.
Tyson, the former undisputed heavyweight champion, has not fought professionally since losing to Kevin McBride in 2005. His last win came in 2003 against Clifford Etienne. Tyson boasts a 50-6 career record with 44 knockouts. Meanwhile, Paul is 9-1 as a pro with his only loss coming against Tommy Fury in 2023. Most of Paul’s wins have come against former MMA fighters.
Despite the 31-year age gap between the fighters, which will be the largest ever in a pro boxing match, both men are taking the showdown very seriously. Tyson has put his popular “Hotboxin'” podcast on hiatus to focus on training. “I’m scared to death,” Tyson admitted to Fox News about returning to pro boxing at age 58. “But whatever I’m afraid to do, I do it.”
Paul also acknowledged feeling nervous after seeing Tyson’s impressive training videos, but vowed to rise to the challenge. “Mike, looking good on the mitts is not even half the battle,” Paul warned. “You have to face me in the ring.”
The fight, which will be streamed live on Netflix, is being promoted by Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions. With a world press tour forthcoming and the eyes of the sports world upon them, Tyson and Paul are set to deliver an epic event that will shape both of their boxing legacies. As anticipation builds, fans are eager to witness what promises to be one of the most unique and compelling spectacles in boxing history when the opening bell rings on July 20th.
